2023 Shrine Bowl East Team players that Colts should be keeping a tab on
Last year, Brock Purdy was the East team’s starting quarterback. He went on to become Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL draft as the final pick, and now is a finalist for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Colts currently have the fourth-overall pick in the NFL draft and the biggest question on the roster is at the quarterback position. Could the Colts find their Brock Purdy in this game? It’s possible.
Here’s a look at the quarterbacks on the East team in this game:
- QB Tanner Morgan – Minnesota
- QB Aidan O’Connell – Purdue
Both Tanner Morgan and Aiden O’Connell have the potential to be mid-to-late-round draft picks and have the talent to be eventual starters in the NFL. Playing in the Big Ten, Morgan was at Minnesota for five years and O’Connell was at Purdue for four, so they both have plenty of experience.
Wide receiver is another group that Indy should always be looking to add to so here’s a look at some wideouts on the East side that Indy should have an eye on:
- WR Jadon Haselwood – Arkansas
- WR Jalen Cropper – Fresno State
Jalen Cropper is a playmaker the Colts could use for big play opportunities and stretch the field. Indianapolis’ offense had very few explosive plays in 2022, so finding prospects that can change that will be key for Indy.
The offensive line of the Colts was under immense scrutiny in 2022. All three of the guys listed below could levy well in both pass blocking and run blocking. Chandler Avala has been one of the most impressive guards at practice and drills this week.
- OL Spencer Anderson – Maryland
- OL Earl Bostic Jr – Kansas
- OL Chandler Zavala – NC State
#ShrineBowl Play of the Day:
— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 31, 2023
No Fly Zone! 🔐 ❌@_treclark | @LouisvilleFB pic.twitter.com/p4Hf1bELYp
Shifting the focus to defense, the Colts’ staggering unit was up and down all season. At times showing promise, there is some real core talent that is currently featured on the roster. With speculation on trades and upcoming free agency, there could be a couple of holes to fill that these players could find themselves in come April and later into the 2023 NFL season.
- IDL Kobie Turner – Wake Forrest
- IDL Ochaun Mathis – Nebraska
- DL Dante Stills – West Virginia
- EDGE Jose Ramirez – Eastern Michigan
- EDGE Yasir Abdullah – Louisville
- EDGE BJ Thompson – Stephen F Austin
- CB Kei’Trel Clark – Louisville